I can’t think of a better excuse to slow down with a new book than fall. The air turns crisp, the days get shorter, and suddenly spending an afternoon under a blanket with a mug of something hot feels like self-care, at least that’s what I’m telling myself.
This season, I’ve rounded up some of the best books to read this fall for women—from twisty mysteries that keep you guessing to beautifully written stories that linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
What about you? Any great reads on your nightstand—or in that ever-growing “to be read” pile we all pretend isn’t out of control?
New Books Releasing Fall 2025
The Widow by John Grisham
John Grisham’s The Widow, takes us to small-town Virginia, where struggling lawyer Simon Latch thinks he’s finally caught a break. His new client, an elderly widow named Eleanor Barnett, claims her late husband left her millions—money no one else seems to know about.
What starts as a lifeline quickly turns into a nightmare. When Eleanor is badly injured in a mysterious accident, Simon finds himself accused of murder and racing to untangle a web of greed, secrets, and small-town gossip. This is classic Grisham: smart, fast-paced, and the perfect excuse to stay up too late telling yourself just one more chapter.
Twice: A Novel by Mitch Albom
If you’ve ever wished for a second chance, this story will feel familiar. Two very different paths cross in a story about second chances, love, and the choices that define us. Twice is the kind of story that leaves you reflecting long after the final page.
Remain: A Supernatural Love Story by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks has never been shy about tugging our heartstrings, but Remain adds an unexpected twist—a thread of the supernatural that makes this love story feel both haunting and hopeful. It’s a moody, cinematic tale about love that refuses to end, even when life does.
If you like your romance with a bit of mystery and a touch of the otherworldly, this one’s practically begging for a movie deal—and a box of tissues.
Fiction
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
Set against the backdrop of small-town Ohio, Buckeye captures the messy beauty of family, memory, and growing up in a place that shapes you whether you like it or not. It’s poignant, funny in moments, and full of characters that feel like people you might have known (or tried to avoid) in your own hometown.
The Thursday Murder Club Mysteries by Richard Osman
I’ve mentioned this series before, and for good reason. From the very first book, the mix of sharp humor, clever mystery, and the friendships between its older sleuths has made it a favorite. With the Netflix movie already out and the fifth and final book, The Impossible Fortune, releasing in October 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the earlier ones.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
A wedding set on a remote island should be idyllic, but this thriller turns the celebration into something far darker. Tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the polished surface quickly cracks. You’ll be kept guessing who did it until the very end, which makes The Guest List a sharp page-turner for anyone who loves a modern mystery.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid has a knack for creating characters who feel achingly real, and Atmosphere looks set to continue that tradition. Set in the 1980s, it follows Joan Goodwin, one of the few women chosen for NASA’s astronaut program, as she juggles ambition, family, and a secret romance. Reid’s earlier novels (Daisy Jones & The Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo) have all drawn Hollywood’s attention, so don’t be surprised if this one eventually follows.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
This story follows an aging heiress whose past refuses to stay buried. As long-hidden truths come to light, questions of legacy, love, and the choices that shaped her life take center stage. Great Big Beautiful Life is reflective and moving, with just enough warmth to balance the weight of regret and memory.
Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff
Set in wartime Paris, this novel follows women forced to make impossible choices in extraordinary times. The city comes alive on the page, with all its elegance and its dangers woven together. Last Twilight in Paris is a story that reminds us how resilience and love can endure even in the darkest chapters of history.
The Women on Platform Two: A Novel of Ireland by Laura Anthony
This novel is set in a busy train station during World War II, where chance meetings alter the course of women’s lives. It’s a novel about resilience, friendship, and how fleeting encounters can shape destiny. Rich in detail, The Women on Platform Two carries both the intimacy of personal stories and the sweep of history.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
A stark, haunting look at a nation divided and the personal costs of conflict. It blends family drama with political fracture in a way that feels both timely and timeless. Not a light read, but Broken Country is ideal if you like a layered saga. I’ve noticed many book clubs are reading this right now!
Inspirational Books and Memoirs
Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker
Jen Hatmaker, a speaker and writer known for her candid approach to faith and life, shares her personal journey in Awake. It’s part memoir, part guide, and all about leaning into growth no matter your age. She also reads the audibook herself, if you prefer to listen along!
Jump and Find Joy by Hoda Kotb
This book feels especially timely for women navigating midlife shifts. It’s about meeting change with curiosity rather than fear, and finding joy in places you may not expect. Jump and Find Joy is warm, uplifting, and filled with reminders that a new chapter can be the best one yet.
Cancer Is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned by Clea Shearer
Clea Shearer, co-founder of The Home Edit organizing brand, writes openly about her cancer journey, but also about the surprising lessons it brought with it. Cancer is Complicated is deeply personal yet filled with universal truths about resilience, friendship, and savoring the everyday. If you know of anyone dealing with cancer, especially breast cancer, this would make a great gift.
If you’re looking for more books to read this season, check out these posts:
Cooler nights, soft sweaters, and a new stack of books—what more does fall really need? I’m planning to spend as many evenings as possible tucked into a chair with a candle burning, a mug nearby, and a book that keeps me from checking the news.
What are you curling up with this fall?